Use of interlocking tiles continues

Blatantly violating a government ban, the Nawanshahr municipal council continues to use interlocking tiles in construction of roads. When questioned, officials and councillors claim their helplessness, stating that their own government's orders were difficult to implement and tough to follow.

Krishan Kumar, a resident of Pishoria Mohalla, filed a written complaint with deputy director local bodies on March 6, 2013, and demanded a high-level probe against the council, alleging that interlocking tiles were being used, disregarding the order.

He alleged, "The work of laying tiles in many areas including Ranjeet Nagar, near the religious shrine at Garhshankar road, and other areas is in full swing during evening hours and no action was being taken."

This reporter went to Ranjeet Nagar, where the work of installing tiles was in full swing. The labourers had also put raw materials on the road (See picture) and tiles were laid on either side of road.

When contacted, deputy director local bodies Pritam Singh confirmed that a ban had been imposed on the use of tiles for construction of roads in Nawanshahr.

On being informed of the blatant disregard of the ban, he said: "The department cannot uproot the tiles from roads that have been constructed, but we will stop any such use now."

However, MC executive officer Hardev Bains said, "We will blacklist faulty contractors who have used interlocking tiles in constructing roads and would also stop their payments."

When this reporter visited Ranjeet Nagar in late evening, the use of tiles was stopped.

A SAD leader said that the government's orders were not being implemented as the government had failed to give any technical reason for banning of interlocking tiles. He said that it was really difficult to call up revised tenders for roads and in some cases construction had also started.

Deputy chief minister Sukhbir Badal had met officials from the local bodies department on October 20, 2012, where it was decided to put a ban over the use of tiles in the construction of roads and to replace with premix or concrete.

A letter was also sent to all municipal corporations and councils on December 4, 2012.